Solar Ba7 Battery & System Tester on 2040-parts.com

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S rips out 550 hp

If you remember nothing else about the updated 2014 Aston Martin Rapide–now with an S added to the name–keep this in mind: Power surges 80 hp to a whopping 550 hp from the naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 engine. Aston Martin dipped into its expertise gleaned from the World Endurance Championship GT competition to fortify output and efficiency. Torque increases to 457 lb-ft (from 443 lb-ft), and top speed is pushed 7 mph to 190.

Exclusive: Frank Stephenson to become Design Director at McLaren

Thanks to our contacts in the automotive design community, we've become aware that Frank Stephenson, who until recently was Director of Design at Alfa Romeo, will be taking on a new role as Design Director at McLaren. "McLaren is pleased to confirm that Frank Stephenson will shortly join as Design Director," a company spokesperson told CDN, but would not reveal additional details. Stephenson was not prepared to comment.

Lotus goes light again with go-karts

Group Lotus, not to be confused with Formula One's Team Lotus, is trying its hand at grassroots racing. The Lotus Racing Karts team will unveil its first 2012 model at the annual Autosport International event on Jan. 14, 2012, in Birmingham in the United Kingdom.